The present invention relates generally to methods and materials for use in the production of implants, particularly luminal tissue implants, where the implants are engineered by seeding of an acellular scaffold or matrix with muscle cell precursors and fibroblasts, for example injection seeding using particular ratios of cells. The present invention provides methods for producing tissue engineered constructs for implantation into a subject which can utilise novel seeding processes described herein for improved cell engraftment and differentiation. In addition, the invention describes methods for treating an individual by implantation of the engineered constructs or tissues of the invention.

The method for producing a three-dimensional artificial tissue is a method in which a three-dimensional artificial tissue extending in a predetermined direction is produced. The method includes: preparing a device including a culture tank having a culturing space surrounded by sidewalls, and a flow channel-forming member that penetrates through the sidewalls that face each other and is suspended in the culturing space along a predetermined direction; culturing cells in the culturing space and thereby forming a three-dimensional artificial tissue through which the flow channel-forming member penetrates; and removing the flow channel-forming member from the three-dimensional artificial tissue and thereby forming a perfusion flow channel that penetrates through the three-dimensional artificial tissue.

Aspects of the disclosure relate methods and a synthetic cell delivery device for treating trauma present relative to the inner surface of a hollow organ such as an esophagus.

A tubular patch (3) made of PGA fabric, optionally containing within it a mesh tubular support in PGA/PLA, for implantation to replace one or more urethral and/or ureteral removed segments for use in tissue reconstruction of the removed segments for the treatment of diseases such as necrosis, stenosis, tumours, trauma, iatrogenic injuries and the like, or congenital malformations.

Aspects of the disclosure relate methods and synthetic scaffolds for regenerating hallow organs present in the respiratory system such as bronchus tissue.

The present invention relates to a scaffold for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence, wherein the scaffold comprises three layers of polyurethane: a first layer and a third layer in which the polyurethane fibres are randomly orientated and a second layer between said first and third layers in which the fibres are aligned longitudinally; methods of making such scaffolds and uses thereof.

Described herein are new methods for making lung bud organoids (LBOs) that have the capacity of developing into branching airways and alveolar structures that a least partially recapitulate human lung development from mammalian, preferably human, pluripotent stem cells including embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSC), either by culturing branched LBO in a 3D matrix or by transplanting the LBO under the kidney capsule of immune deficient mice. Branched LBOs contain pulmonary endoderm and mesoderm compatible with pulmonary mesenchyme, and undergo branching morphogenesis. Also described are LBOs harboring certain mutations that induce a fibrotic phenotype, and methods of making same. The mutated (B)LBOs can be used for screening agents that may treat pulmonary fibrosis.

An epithelial cell tube for tracheal transplantation according to an embodiment includes a columnar support, and a whole layer of epithelial cells positioned on an outer peripheral surface of the columnar support. The epithelial cells are oriented so that cilia of the epithelial cells face a lumen side. The epithelial cell tube can be applied to an injured portion to provide an epithelial cell layer which is engrafted in tissues and can induce reduction of stenosis of trachea and inflammation.

A method for maintaining a medical device in place in a lumen of a hollow organ of a patient for a period of months or years includes not using a metal or bioresorbable self-expandable stent. Optionally, a platelet rich plasma (PRP) solution can be applied to a stent to integrate the stent into an interior passageway of a patient. The stent can optionally be formed of a nitinol and inserted through a mouth of the patient. Sutures can be used to attach the stent to the interior passageway of the patient.

One aspect of the invention provides a method of preventing or reducing stenosis in a subject. The method includes implanting a passivated graft comprising vein into an artery. The implanting of the graft replaces and/or bypasses a diseased segment of the artery. The passivated graft including vein is prepared by exposing the exterior surface of the passivated graft comprising vein to a tissue structure stabilizing agent (TSSA) under conditions sufficient to promote cross-linking of proteins within the vein.